To Walk in My Shoes: Saving Grace on a Less Traveled Road (Hardcover)

by Rudolph E. Willis (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
Inner faith and self-discipline saw Willis through elementary and high school, out of Chicago's notorious Cabrini Green projects, and on to pursue the M.D. His supportive and optimistic mother's guidance was crucial, too. His account of his early life combines such brutal events as the gang-initiation killing of his closest friend's younger brother with the tale of his questing curiosity, which led him from comic books to the dictionary and the encyclopedia. A few inspiring and mentoring teachers in high school, college, and medical school helped him mature and see possibilities. Willis' interest in cancer resulted in the publication of a theoretical article that caught the eye of the National Cancer Institute, and for three years he worked in Robert Gallo's research group on AIDS. But the stresses of the Gallo-Montagnier dispute over discovery of HIV forced him to leave and enter private practice in St. Louis. Willis' storytelling ability and use of his own photographs enliven his readable, thought-provoking memoir. William Beatty

Product Details

• Hardcover: 179 pages
• Publisher: Lost Coast Press (December 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 188289734X
• ISBN-13: 978-1882897346
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,333,728 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Inspiring Read from which all can learn, August 12, 2001

By A Customer

I found this book to be very elegantly written, never once hesistating to paint the harsh reality of the author's world. This book is startling, poignant, bleak, and somehow surreal for it is a journey, a numbing journey that does end in triumph. In a day and age where hip hop seems the dominant voice for urban Black America long gone are the eloquent yet forward and rebellious books of the harlem renaissance. This book stands out in the writings of today on Black America and gives diginity to the struggle that goes on every day in this country. All may benefit from reading To Walk In My Shoes as it leads to much needed awareness and adds another pin prick to our social consciousness.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Inspiration for Excellence, September 8, 2000

By A Customer

Dr. Rudolph Willis, in this honest, personal account of achievement despite the odds, reflects on where he has been and how that has led him to be the man he has become today. He thoughtfully considers how race, socioeconomic status, and environment impact who you become, yet inspires us by demonstrating that despite these factors, our goals can be reached with the right combination of intelligence, passion, and drive to overcome our station in life. He does not wallow in the injustices of his upbringing or of the system; rather, he finds strength in the lessons he has learned. A gifted and loved physician, he speaks also on the state of medical care and the goal of a good death when the goal of a cure is gone. If you cannot know Dr. Willis, you can still come to learn from him through this exceptional book that will inspire, energize, and educate you.